We are thrilled to highlight our partnership with Beth Smith, the talented artist behind Mudtown Pottery, for this year’s Give Thanks fundraiser. You might be wondering, What Does Asf Mean in this collaboration? In our case, ASF stands for the Alabama School of Fine Arts, an organization deeply committed to nurturing young artists and fostering creativity within our community. Beth graciously welcomed us into her studio for an intimate look at her craft and shared her insights in a brief interview.
The Meaning of Thankfulness, According to Beth Smith
ASF: What does Thankfulness mean to you?
Beth Smith: That’s a great question! For me, thankfulness is about shifting your perspective to appreciate the everyday wonders. It’s about slowing down to notice the seemingly small, ordinary details that often go unnoticed. Cultivating this awareness allows you to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about life, which naturally leads to a thankful heart.
This perspective on thankfulness aligns beautifully with the mission of the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASF). Just as Beth finds wonder in the ordinary, ASF seeks to cultivate extraordinary talent in students from across Alabama, providing them with unique opportunities to explore their artistic passions.
The Human Connection in Handmade Pottery
ASF: What sort of connection do you want people who use your pottery to have with the piece?
Beth Smith: This is a question that really resonates with me and is central to why I love pottery. Even before I began creating pottery myself, I was drawn to its inherent organic nature. There’s something deeply meaningful about a piece of pottery shaped by a potter’s hands becoming part of someone’s daily life – holding their morning coffee or serving their evening meal. It creates a subtle yet profound relationship between the maker and the user, a tangible human connection. It truly means a lot when people tell me they use my pottery. The last thing I want is for it to sit on a shelf, forgotten.
Beth’s emphasis on the human connection in pottery reflects the values of ASF. Just as her pottery seeks to enrich everyday experiences, ASF strives to provide enriching educational experiences for students, fostering connections between art, community, and personal growth.
The Joy of the Pottery Process
ASF: What is your favorite part of the pottery process?
Beth Smith: Forming the clay is definitely my favorite stage! I particularly love working on the wheel, although recently I’ve been exploring more hand-building techniques, which I also enjoy. I’m captivated by the tactile nature of clay in all its forms. It’s such a sensory craft. But if I had to choose, forming the clay when it’s wet and then trimming it at the leather-hard stage would be my absolute favorites.
This passion for the process is something ASF aims to instill in its students. Learning at ASF is not just about the end product, but about the journey of exploration, experimentation, and the joy of mastering a craft or art form. Just like Beth finds joy in each stage of pottery, ASF encourages students to embrace the learning process in their chosen artistic disciplines.
Lifelong Learning and the Art of Pottery
ASF: What does pottery/making mean to you?
Beth Smith: Pottery came into my life later, after my children had grown. It’s been an incredible opportunity to embrace the role of a learner again. And believe me, pottery is a very humbling teacher! I know I’ll always be learning and discovering new things about it. This journey of learning something new, especially later in life, has brought a wonderful freshness and excitement to my life, which I am deeply grateful for.
Partnering with ASF: Supporting Student Growth
ASF: Why have you chosen to partner with ASF?
Beth Smith: Having worked in higher education for nearly two decades, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact organizations like ASF can have on a student’s life. Students are in a unique and transformative phase where they have the time and energy to engage deeply with various activities. Getting involved with something larger than themselves allows them to learn and grow in ways that are incredibly valuable. I believe ASF provides a truly exceptional avenue for students to do just that.
Thank you, Beth, for sharing your insights and artistry with us. You can find Beth’s beautiful pie plates and coffee cups in our Give Thanks packages this year, supporting the Alabama School of Fine Arts and its mission. To explore more of Beth’s work locally, please click here.
